Best iPhone VR headsets: Budget options for Apple smartphone users

While high-end VR headsets can cost more than a used car, iPhone VR headsets are a cheap way to access apps and games without breaking the bank.

iPhone VR is perfect for kids and adults, for

watch things like YouTube 360

, Where

play VR apps and games on your smartphone

.

Whether you're looking for an iPhone VR headset for a full-sized iPhone such as the 8, X, or even the iPhone 11, or something newer like a Phone X, there are plenty of VR headsets that can accommodate iPhones from different sizes.

Just be warned: many of these headsets have a maximum screen size, which means larger iPhones like an iPhone 11 Pro Max, for example, are incompatible. If you have a large iPhone, we've marked the choice for you.

Of course, these cheap and cheerful VR headsets aren't a patch on some of the

best VR headsets

as the

Oculus Quest

Where

HTC Vive

, but they're a great introduction to the world of VR without breaking the bank or requiring a lot of space.

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Update: This article was updated in May 2020 to reflect the new patterns.

Merge VR glasses

Price when reviewing:

£44.99

While most of these headsets are made of hard plastic, the Merge VR glasses opt for a soft, squishy foam. It helps make the headset lightweight and comfortable. Plus, it has a customizable strap that fits your anyone 10+, adjustable lenses, and two buttons to interact with your VR content.

We found the Merge's lenses to be surprisingly clear and the device itself supports all iPhone models, however the larger Plus and XS Max models can be a little tight getting in and out.

The VR glasses are not just for virtual reality, they can be paired with Merge Cube for augmented reality fun. All you have to do is pop out the little window in the front and do everything as usual, but with Merge and Cube's AR app in your hand.

Valid verdict:

Merge Cube Review

Buy on Amazon

Virtual Reality Glasses by VR Wear

Price after review: £59.99

Another hugely popular lightweight headset, it has a clear front for AR experiences that use your smartphone camera - although it's VR where this headset excels.

VR Wear glasses get off to a flying start with support for all iPhones. With the maximum supported screen size of 6.5 inches, even iPhones 11 Max and X Max will fit inside .

It uses the Google Cardboard reference of one button supported, you'll want to use the Google Cardboard app, and it's great for YouTube 360.

However, it has a smaller field of view at 105 degrees and there's no remote control - but it's a great price.

Buy on Amazon

Homido V2 Virtual Reality Headset

Price when reviewing:

£55.53

Raising the tech stakes, the second-generation Homido VR headset still offers a 100-degree field of view, compatibility with the latest iPhones up to 5S (but not Max versions as the maximum screen size is only 5.7 inches), all wrapped up in a slimmer design. It's also suitable for eyeglass wearers, with space for specs inside the leatherette, interchangeable gasket.

If headsets aren't really your thing, Homido also makes a pair of VR glasses, although the effect is much less pronounced than an HMD.

Then there's the portable Homido Grab, which works with the cardboard and has a 100-degree field of view. It also comes with a host of new accessories (not included), including a 360-degree camera and controllers Bluetooth to meet your immersive shooting and gaming needs.

Buy on Amazon

BNEXT VR Headset

Price after review: £34.99

Compatible with all iPhones except the larger X Max and Pro versions, the BNEXT headset has established itself as one of the most popular VR headsets for smartphone users.

It accepts a maximum screen size of 6.3 inches, ad offers focal adjustment for better experience.

The strap is fully adjustable, so it's great for adults and kids alike - and at under $50, it's priced to suit most budgets.

Buy on Amazon

Pansonite VR Headset

Price after review: £47.99

A little higher on the budget scale, the Pansonite VR headset accepts most iPhones, again excluding the Pro and Max versions. It's limited to a slightly smaller 6-inch handset, but nails the ergonomics and makes room for eyeglass wearers, and adds airflow to make viewing more comfortable.

There's a 120-degree field of view and you get a remote - which should help you control the in-app experience, without having to switch the headphones on and off when it's time to switch between content.

Buy on Amazon

Carl Zeiss VR One Plus

Price when reviewing:

£39.99

Most mobile VR headsets are simply a plastic case and a few lenses - hence the logic behind super cheap cardboard-style devices. Zeiss' experience in making lenses and optics for everyone , from Sony cameras to medical fields, therefore places it at the top of our list. This model has also dropped significantly in price.

The VR One Plus, which will fit all iPhones, lets you experience apps and videos with a 100-degree field of view, and those that capture

the

magnet controller

The accessory can also control the action when attached. A little more expensive, sure, but a great option for those looking for something at the higher end of the scale that's compatible with the iPhone.

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Freefly VR beyond

Price when reviewing:

£11.10

Previously Android only, this Freefly headset, the Beyond, adds iPhone capability up to iPhone XS. You'll get a 120-degree field of view and Crossfire capacitive touch triggers for your games.

This headset has been out for a while now, but the price has dropped significantly and will tide you over while you wait to see if Freefly's FF3 headset ever launches.

The

FF3

is a hybrid headset that will allow you to participate in virtual, augmented and mixed reality experiences. You will only need to remove the sides of the headset, which will also increase the field of vision to 180 degrees.

Since its announcement in 2017, its Crowdcube page has since disappeared and there has been no update on whether the product will hit the market soon. Also, Chrome had flagged Freefly's site as unsafe. has since been switched to an Australian domain, so things are definitely changing.

In the meantime, you can still get the Beyond headphones from Amazon US for an affordable amount.

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Google Cardboard

Price when reviewing:

£15

If you're looking for a low cost entry to VR, they aren't much cheaper than an iPhone-compatible Cardboard kit. You can get an unofficial cardboard headset for under £5 on Amazon, and with some between them you can get a strap and NFC so that it powers the app on command.

There's also the official Google Cardboard, which is compact and foldable. It's not as complicated to make as the unofficial ones, but it'll still fall apart if you don't take care of it because, well , it's made of cardboard. Yet there's no easier or more affordable way to get started in VR.

Buy on Amazon